Pakistani author launches her Novel on Skype after India denied visa

Pakistani author, Kanza Javed was supposed to participate in Indian Literature Fest for the launch of her book ‘Ashes, Wine and Dust,' but her visa was denied at the last-minute by India.

When a Pakistani author Kanza Javed was denied a visa to travel to India for her book launch. She didn’t lose hope.

Kanza, with the help of her publisher, Aanchal Malhotras, co-ordinated a launch over Skype according to a Times of India report.

The Pakistani author, Kanza Javed was supposed to participate in the Kumaon Lit Fest for the launch of her book ‘Ashes, Wine and Dust,’ but her visa was denied at the last-minute.

The five-day festival, which began on Friday, is being held at Dhanachuli village and Nainital in Uttarakhand.

In an interview with Times of India, said that she was stunned. “I had submitted all documents three weeks ago. I only heard (from the Indian High Commission) last afternoon about my visa being denied. I wasn’t given a reason, and I did not ask them either. It was very insulting for me. I have always received support from across the border,” she said from Lahore.

Ironically her brother and father, who were supposed to travel with her to attend the five-day literary festival, received their visa.

The 24-year-old author who was shortlisted for the Tibor Jones South Asia Prize, shared the synopsis of her book on Skype, outlining a young girl’s story that corresponded to the three words in the title of her book.